Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Scope Choice Forbes 20 B

My new Forbes 20 B in 308 is in the mail. I have three possible fixed power scopes in my stable. A mini Burris 4x, a mini Burris 6x and a small fixed 4x Leupold. All have stood the test of time and proven stable even on some hard kickers. The mini-Burris 4x is about 2 oz lighter than the other two(wrong)Which would you go with and why?

Oops....just got out my scale and the 28mm 4x Leupold is longer but weighs 7.5 oz. The 4x Burris though only 20mm and much shorter weighs a surprisingly chunky 9 oz. The 6x Burris weighs 10.25 oz and is virtually the same size as the Leupold.

So let me change the question. For sheep and caribou in open country 4x or 6x with a 2.75 oz penalty?

Lucky you, mine was a few from being built when they ran out of SS 308 barrels! Looks like a May delivery now. I'd think all your scopes would work well but I would lean towards the 6x because of the open country you're in. The rifle is light enough I'm not letting ounces effect my scope decision. Mine will have a VX-6 1-6.

IMO, 2.75oz is absolutely inconsequential.

Personally I wouldn't run a 'mini' anything, the couple of compact scopes that I've owned, both Leupolds, were pretty average optically. I'd be screwing a FX11 6x36 down on that rifle.

Interestingly the 6x36 Leupold is 10 oz according to their web site. This again is lighter than the physically smaller Burris mini-6.

i also have a leupold 4x 33 size which weighs in at less than 10.5 oz with scope covers. What to do?

I know I will get blasted but on my Rem Ti and Kimber Montana I have a Leupold VX2 3-9 with LR Duplex and think it is about perfect in size, weight, and function. At 11.2 oz I think the 1.2 oz penalty is worth it for the 40mm objective.

I have had a mini 4X PA for a lot of years. I originally bought it for an airgun and it served me well. It is now on a nice Wasp waisted Browning semi auto .22. Works well enough there. It has proven tough, but it does not let enough light through to bet a sheep hunt on it. Never had a mini 6x. I would be tempted to look at the FX-2 3-9, either the Ultralight (mine has lots of miles and rounds under it's belt) or the regular 40mm version. There is nothing wrong with the Leupold fixed 4 or 6 either. I have killed stuff way too far with both a 2.5 and a 4.

Best wishes,

Jack

I am highly underwhelmed by my 2-7x burris, and REALLY impressed with the 6x36 FX2 leupold. it'd be a no-brainer for me.

Of your choices I would likely pick the Leupold 4x as the compact Burris I have looked through had critical eye relief and a less forgiving eyebox. If I thought I could swing it I would likely put on a Leupold 6x36 or 2-7x33; or look slightly bigger yet at a 6x42 or 3-9x40. I have nothing against Burris scopes but the newer Leupolds just seem substantially brighter and more forgiving to me.

I don't have experience with the 2 Burris scopes you mentioned so I'd go with the 4x Leo out of the listed choices.

If making my own choice the following scopes would be on the list (in this order):
FX3 6x42
FX2 6x36
VX2 2-7x32

Regardless of the one chosen, I'd go LRD or M1. The weight on any of these are acceptable to me and I much prefer the extra couple of oz's with ease of use to a mini-scope that's a challenge to get lined up on.

After spending some time looking through them all, I am leaning towards the full size Leupold 4x. Sans scope covers it's 9.5 oz or so only 2 oz heavier than the compact Leupold and hardly any heavier than the Burris Mini though it is much longer....the longer size also allows for more options in mounting. The Forbes isn't in my hands yet it is in transit. Must be one of the first 308's with stainless barrel in Canada.

With the Canadian dollar down I need to go with a scope already in my inventory as I am pretty much spent out on the rifle!

I ran a FX 11 6X36 on a Nula Model 20 and thought it was perfect. Just my opinion though.

LOP on the Forbes 24B I have is 14 1/4" so I ended up using a scope with a longer tube.A Nikon 4.5X14X40.

good to know. Mine will be here Tuesday with any luck and I will be able to scale things out.

Your 308 20B has been mailed from Prophet River already? That must have been one they made in December?

I thought the 7mm-08's were coming in January, but looks like they are a couple months behind.

4x33
6x33
6x36

In that order, nothing more, nothing less, no variable needed nor wanted on a lightweight short action. CDS or M1 if so inclined, my 6x33 has an M1.......

Ordered from Forbes in September..mailed from Prophet River on Thursday. Should be here Tuesday.

One of the new Zeiss terra scopes might work well on that rifle..

I went with a 2.5x8 VX3 on my Montana 7 mm08 and really like the balance. I shot 3 deer with it set on 6x this year. I keep thinking hard about ordering a 6x myself but having a hard time convincing myself to spend the money.

If you sell the VX3, you would not be out any $$$ for a 6x. Both work well.